In the world of gardening, green-fingered people are searching for more natural and sustainable options. Eco gardening is the new kid on the block, and enthusiasts are trying to teach people the importance of working with nature and not against it.
So what exactly does that mean? Well, just because you spend time outdoors planting, watering, and pruning doesn’t mean you do it in a way that promotes sustainability. In this post, we’ll look at eco gardening and discover how you can be more sustainable in your backyard.
The Meaning of Eco Gardening
In its purest form, eco gardening means engaging in practices that promote natural growth rather than manipulating your garden. Certain factors such as plant placement and welcoming certain insects into your outdoor space, instead of moving things around and adding fertilisers, contribute towards the environment.
The best thing about eco gardening is that anyone can become more sustainable. While novice gardeners might worry about their lack of knowledge, following a set of essential tips can help you to become more eco-friendly.
Let’s take a look at some sustainable gardening tips and how you can put them into practice.
Composting
Instead of buying compost, you can use items from your home to make your own. Not only is this more sustainable, but it also means you can cut down on the amount you recycle. Putting both green waste and brown waste into a composting bin will encourage plant growth.
Investing in a compost bin for your garden can make the process more efficient. Everyday items to add to your container include newspaper clippings, leaves, fruit and vegetable skins, cardboard, animal manure and tree leaves.
It’s easy to compost your items, which saves money on store-bought mixtures and means you lower your carbon footprint.
Companion Planting
Companion planting is the process of placing seeds that will benefit each other together. Many people don’t think about the properties their plants and herbs will have when growing them, but you can save money on fertilisers and pest repellants if you take the time to plan.
A classic example of companion planting is rose plants and garlic. Most people wouldn’t think about growing the two in the same area, but they actually can support each other to flourish.
Garlic has a distinct odour, and rose plants attract lots of pests. By planting rose plants next to garlic, you can avoid pests attacking your roses because the smell of garlic will deter them.
Instead of investing in harmful and expensive pesticides, you have a natural solution to your problem and fresh garlic on hand whenever you need it.
Don’t Shy Away From Animals
When people think about animals in their garden, they automatically think about ways to control the population. But wildlife shouldn’t be our enemy because they play a vital role in balancing the environment.
Bees and birds are beneficial for gardens, but most households don’t encourage their presence. As natural pollinators, bees can help you to avoid the use of pesticides. You can let them know they’re welcome by planting lavender and having a water source available.
Birds are also valuable allies, so why not add a feeder to your garden and wake up to the sound of chirping every day? Now that’s much better than an alarm clock!
Water features are also essential if you want to attract wildlife to your garden. Ponds are ideal for newts and frogs, which creates a beautiful haven to enjoy with your family.
Not only that, but you’ll be giving wildlife a chance to flourish instead of dying out. Humans build on natural habitats, but by inviting animals into your garden, you’ll be giving back and ensuring the circle of life can continue.
Save Water
Most people need to water their garden every day, which causes significant issues for conservation. The simple solution is to install a butt on downpipes to collect and conserve water.
Underground rain tanks are even better, but you’ll need a lot of space. If you don’t want to install any butts or tanks, then focus on ways to reduce your water usage by:
- Avoiding sprinklers. They waste a lot of water.
- Watering directly onto the roots instead of the leaves.
- Use large plant pots, so they don’t dry out.
- Maintain your pond liners.
Recycle Containers
Instead of heading straight to your local gardening centre, look around your home and shed for items that will make suitable planting containers. Plastic bottles make ideal plant pots for small items, and even your old wheelbarrow can be ideal for wildflowers.
Although these seem like small changes, plastic is one of the biggest threats to wildlife today, with numerous initiatives to save our oceans by reducing the use of plastic. If you can find a helpful way to avoid sending them for recycling, you can make a small contribution to reducing an ever-growing threat.
Go With the Grain
So many people try to alter their garden to fit their needs, but why not take what you’re given and use it to make something special? You might not have that elusive south facing garden, so embrace that and source plants that will grow naturally in your outdoor area.
Mediterranean flowers go well in sunny areas, but woodland plants look incredible and will grow well in the shade. When you accept the natural potential of your garden, you reduce the need for building materials and won’t have to manipulate your soil to achieve a beautiful outdoor space.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to eco gardening, there are many things to consider. While green-fingered enthusiasts love the challenge of analysing their outdoor area, amateurs might need some support from a specialist landscape company.
Floral & Hardy can offer advice about environmental gardens and have a team of specialists that can evaluate your soil and other elements in your outdoor space to create a stunning environment that you and your family can enjoy all year.
Minor changes will contribute to a global effort. If each of us embraces eco gardening, we can make a significant contribution to promoting sustainable living, give wildlife a place to flourish and enjoy
